Chapter 198: Plume
It was dusk when the Silopea family arrived at New Nellie Castle.
I had climbed up to the highest tower of the castle and was taking in the view of New Nellie's scenery for the last time.
The evening is a sad time of the year.
The fact that I will be moving to another territory that I don't know for a while.
It has been more than 10 years since my reincarnation, and my heart seems to have grown nostalgic for the Quardenze territory.
The sun, hidden from view by clouds, turned the city red as if to assert itself, and even seemed to make the black of the shadows stand out even more.
The sun was hiding its face from the clouds, and the city seemed to be dyed red, as if to assert itself. The Silopea family will be entering the castle soon. Please move downstairs.”
I was sitting on the stone frame of the window and nodded at Tesh's words that I heard in my side ear.
Oh, okay.”
I put my feet together and stepped down into the room.
The darkness of the room stands out more in eyes accustomed to red. I stopped where I was and turned to talk to him.
The Silopea family seems to have brought their elite with them.”
Tesch responded to my words as if they were a given.
I thought they were the best warriors in the territory.
And the ratio of followers is tremendous. The ratio of followers is very high. Even a city of that size could easily be conquered by that group alone.
The number of pure soldiers standing by in the group is about 300, but according to the magic detection, about 60 of them are ancestor soldiers.
Even if one follower leads 1,000 slaves, it is said to be an extravagant operation in this day and age.
Considering the situation of the Silopea family, where the number of followers has been decreasing due to the strange disease of the magical beast Elsinia, a considerable number of them have been sent to the royal capital for socializing.
Considering that they are the escorts of Lord Silopea and Princess Plume who are going to the royal capital, even this number of people is still quite small.”
That may be so, but…… Is this enough to protect the territory?”
The total number of followers existing in the Silopea territory is not known, but considering the fact that so many personnel have been deployed, it will be difficult for those who are left behind.
Basically, the organization of nobles and priests on the Eluo continent is based on the existence of followers. The Silopean forces remaining in the territory would be greatly reduced in strength.
One of the guards responded to my concerns.
Of the three families, the Silopea are in the most difficult position to be invaded.
The Silopea territory is adjacent to the Kuordenze and Evenapis territories to the north and south, and to the east it is protected by an alliance with the Kingdom of Levioth across the Great River. Two houses of Quordenze and Evenapis.
To put it another way, as long as they are careful only with the Spiaseiks on the west side, they can manage without any guarding in the rest of the country. As one would expect, the military is not so carefree in its deployment.
The Silopean army, which stays at home in Silopean territory, concentrated most of its forces in the west, leaving the north and south defenses at almost zero, and the few remaining forces in the east around its home base, Pennybach City, according to the escort's forecast.
The western side of the city is said to have been originally built with robust defenses, and even a small army could manage for a short period of time.
It is natural to say, but it is clear that they do not fully trust the promises of the Kingdom of Levioth.
As Young-sama is concerned, it is not difficult to imagine that the military and civilian officials who remain in the territory will have a hard time due to the shortage of magical personnel. All costs, they will have nothing left. It would be better if they just went to the neighboring territory of Quordenze, with which they have a longstanding friendship, but they would be heading far east to the Levios territory, where many nobles have gathered. The knights who were to remain in the territory were not at ease.
Another escort concurred.
The other escort agrees. “When it comes to escorting a lord who is going to Levios, you want a number of troops in the tens of thousands,” He says. They must be feeling the sting of it.
The conversation should have been about the Silopea family, but before I knew it, the guards were talking as if they were talking about themselves. Their tone was heavy, and I could even sense a hint of resentment at not being able to get their way .
The Quardenze family, like the Silopea family, cannot take a thousand or ten thousand soldiers with them, so they can't be strangers to the situation.
Considering the tense state of the guards, it seems that in the royal capital, there are more skirmishes between the officials who serve the nobles rather than fights among the nobles.
However, even so, it is difficult to go to King's Landing with a large army.
The social gathering in the royal capital is intended to be a friendly meeting between the nobles of the kingdom. The Levios and Millendorva families have made peace, and the nobles of the kingdom will continue to get along well with each other. Peace is best for everyone! The party is held under the theme of “Peace is the best thing for everyone!
If 150,000 soldiers of the Quardenze army were to arrive en masse at such an ostensibly friendly party, would they really be accepted?
Therefore, there is an unwritten rule that only the minimum number of soldiers who can provide personal protection for the size of the house should be taken.
It seems that this rule does not depend on whether the soldiers are slaves or followers, and most nobles, like the Silopea family, enter the capital with a much higher ratio of follower than usual.
By the way, how many soldiers are we planning to take with us?
There will be 500 soldiers, of which 100 will be ancestor soldiers. All of them, including the ancestors, were selected from among the military officers, so there is no need to worry about their leadership.
On the other hand, if all the soldiers we take with us are ancestors, they will make fun of us behind our backs, saying things like, “Are you that afraid of the outside? If you take all your soldiers with you, however, you will be ridiculed behind your back, and your impression will be bad. It would be as if they were saying publicly that they do not trust the Kingdom of Levios at all.
A tug-of-war between safety and honor is taking place behind the scenes regarding the composition of the soldiers to be taken along. Based on the examples of the Quardenze and Silopean armies, I believe that the ratio of the retinue soldiers is adjusted to about one-fifth of the total.
…… However, looking at the Silopea family group, it seems that there are many followers among servants, maids, and civil servants.
Maybe this is a no-no because they are not pure soldiers, but I think the actual ratio of followers is much higher than what it appears on the surface.
The word “Window dressing” Comes to mind, but I didn't dare mention it.
May I have your attention, little boy?”
Tesh's tone became a little stiff.
I'm going to go now,” He said. I'd better get going.
Count Silopea, who has come to New Nelly, and the next head of the family, Plume, will be coming to greet us. I'll be there with my father to receive them and welcome them.
I am looking forward to seeing Pulu for the first time in a long time.”
Letters continued to be exchanged, but there were no such convenient things as photographs on the continent of Eluo.
I was genuinely looking forward to seeing how much the girl, who had shown glimpses of beauty about two years ago, had grown.
The sound of her footsteps down the stairs, pompous and pompous, becomes strangely rhythmic.
However, there was not a single person here who would have the temerity to comment on it.
New Nellie Castle has a large room for welcoming envoys and other visitors.
It is said that this room was originally a guest room for high-ranking priests visiting from the Holy City. The fact that this room is the largest room in the castle, excluding the warehouse, is indicative of the historical background of the time when the However, it was renovated without much success because a large room for welcoming the nobles became necessary when aristocratic diplomacy flourished.
The remodeling itself was done nearly a hundred years ago, and since there have been many changes since then, there is not even a trace of the early days left in the large room.
A dark green carpet covers the entire room, with the father seated on a throne on a raised platform and a banner with the Quardenze crest pasted to the wall behind him.
The Silopea family, lined up in a triangular shape, with only Count Silopea and Plume standing at the front, and the other knights and officials standing on one knee.
Since the knights representing the Silopea family had given a lengthy speech upon entering the castle, the heads of the family suddenly met each other.
Sitting at the end of the room, with my father on my left and Count Silopea on my right, I was more than a little moved by this welcome scene.
Unless you are the next head of the family, you don't have the opportunity to participate in public events like this. That is why Fanny and the others were not here.
Looking around the room, I was reminded of a Japanese painting I saw in a Japanese history book.
Of course, what is about to begin is the greeting and welcome speech.
I am very happy to receive your welcome. As the ruler of the land of Silopea, I thank you.
Count Silopea put one hand on his chest as he said this.
He does not imitate breaking his knees or bowing his head.The two families are facing each other, the head of the Quardenze family and the head of the Silopea family.While they show the courtesy that a visitor should show, they do not break their posture of being equal as one nobleman.
When Count Silopea greeted the father with words of gratitude, as a nobleman would, the father responded, “Well done, my dear Kuordenze.
He responded, “I am very happy that you have come to our town of Kuordenze. I welcome your visit as the ruler of this land, even though it will only be for a short time, until our departure tomorrow.”
My father's voice, as he greeted the guests as a welcomer, seemed to be about 30% more dignified than usual. Perhaps I felt this way because I was sitting in a place of great dignity.
After a few words of greeting, we moved on to some light chitchat. If the meeting ended with a formal exchange of greetings, it might be perceived that there was a gap between the two parties.
As an aristocrat, it is natural to be able to show proper greetings and courtesies, but it is even more important to have the ability to make small talk.
I have to listen to the conversation here because I have to introduce myself later.
If someone says something like, “I was just talking about what we talked about earlier,” And I reply, “I wasn't listening,” There is literally no point in talking about it.
I was surprised when I saw the …… Castle. It was far more lively and bustling than the New Nerry I remember. I suppose this is the result of the good governance of the Duke of Quardenze, which I hope to emulate in Pennybach.
Don't be modest, I have heard of Silopea's good governance even in these difficult times. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to visit Pennybach in recent years, but considering the skill of Lord Silopea, there is no shadow of the prosperity that has continued from his ancestors. It is only to be expected.”
Count Silopea, the current head of the Silopea family, is the sister of the previous head of the family.From Plume's point of view, she is his grandfather's sister.
Originally, she was not in a position to be the head of the family; she had married into a shadowy family in another domain and had already retired. However, a few years ago, the Silopea family suffered the misfortune of a strange disease caused by the magical beast Elsinia, and the direct line of the Silopea family died out, leaving only Prudhomme.
She felt that it would be cruel to entrust the entire Silopea family to the young Plume alone, so she returned to the Silopea domain to serve as the head of the family until the next generation.
I don't know how well the Count of Silopea could rule, but at least if Plume had been the head of the family at that time, there would have been some confusion.
It was very significant that an adult with a solid bloodline, the elder sister of the previous generation, had assumed the position of head of the family, at least for the time being.
Since the practical business is basically left to the knights, to put it simply, the nobles only need to reign and the organization will be able to run sufficiently. Unless a matured magical beast appears.
In this sense, Count Silopea was just the right person to be a weight. For Plume, who had not yet been educated as a noble, he was a little too light. The knights of Silopea must have been grateful that they did not have to put the inexperienced Plume on the stage of aristocratic politics.
As far as I have been able to find out, I have not heard that Count Silopea is good at domestic politics or has leadership skills.This is a testament to her honesty in her position as interim head of the family.
She is a person who understands her lineage and how to use it correctly.That is what I have concluded about Count Silopea.
I have been in the country for about 20 years now, since my last visit here was around the time of the marriage ceremony between Prince Kuordentse and Lady Merry. Time flies…….”
Talking about the past life, don't you do some kind of subtraction in your brain when you see the ages of parents and children on the TV news? I was born when I was XX years old,” He said.
I was unconsciously doing the subtraction when I heard Count Silopea's words his.
By the way, I turned 13 years old this month of April.
Assuming that the year of my marriage was 20 years ago, that means that no child has been born to my mother and father for seven years. Unless there are sad circumstances not known to me.
Why did it take so long …… Father, my young mother would have been spiffy and great.
Is this because of the aristocratic boys' seclusion, or did they prefer adult women to the spiffy, chirpy gals? I'm confident that I would impregnate my mother Merly within 3 months of marriage, as my dick would be bobbing at the sight of her now.
Maybe this should be counted among the Seven Wonders of Quardenze.
…… Indeed, time does fly by. Before I knew it, I was already old enough to nominate the next head of the family.
I was just thinking that it was about time.
Wilk,” He said. You were close to Princess Plume, but this is the first time you have met Lord Silopea, is it not correct?
'Yes, my dear. Yes, father.
I reply, and my father declines to give Count Silopea a break from the chit-chat.
Then, obeying my father, who tells me with his eyes to “Introduce myself,” I take a step forward.
Because of my father's preface, everyone turned their bodies sideways to look at me without hesitation.
I had not been greeted as a subordinate since the first time I addressed the nobles who had gathered for the first battle of the Confederation of Quardentinze.
My left hand was on my waist and my right arm was at chest level, with only my gaze directed at Count Silopea.I am sure that if a Japanese person saw this pose, he would not look like a businessman checking his watch his.
He then spoke the words he had prepared in his mind since this morning.
It is my first time to meet you. My name is Quardenze Wilk, and I am the eldest son of Quardenze. The other day, I was nominated by my father to be the next in line to inherit this land. I welcome your visit from the bottom of my heart. Please make my acquaintance.”
Conscious of maintaining his grace, his lowers his hands slowly and returns to a standing posture.
Before I began my next words, I decided to make a declaration, a confirmation.
May I call you Lord Silopea here?
To this question, Count Silopea nodded with a faint smile on his face.
He nodded, “Yes. Yes, of course.
I should say that his smile was not one of joy, but of relief.
Just as I was about to continue with my introduction, Count Silopea unclasped his hands in front of his crotch and extended one hand, palm down.It is a pose that makes it seem as if an invisible child is there, patting his head his .
'It is the first time we have met, Lord Wilk. I am Silopea Aesia, Silopea is the head of the family. I have heard about you not only from Lord Quardenze, but also from Plume.
He looked at me directly in the eyes and spoke quietly, his voice very gentle and calm.
Count Silopea is now in her 70s. Judging by her age alone, I had imagined her to be an old woman, but in front of her, I thought a more accurate description would be a refined lady. I am sorry to say it, but she has aged well.
I have been friends with Princess Plume for a long time. I hope I have conveyed only good things about myself.
Oh, dear……. Well, you need n't worry about that.The correspondence with Lord Wilk seems to be very encouraging, and I can tell by the way she writes her letters that she knows who you are.
Plume, who is standing right next to Count Silopea, continues to stand there with a blank expression on her face even though the topic has come up about herself. The conversation.
In that case, it would be bad manners to continue talking about Plume here.
I casually changed the subject from correspondence to talking about myself, digesting the lines of self-introduction that were waiting in my brain.
'…… Well. Is that what this is about?”
'Yes. I would love to tell you this story at the dinner.'
I was able to manage the chat without incident, I decided.
Count Silopea, who was switching topics, smiled and said, “By the way, I'd like to talk about this.
I have heard about the battle at …… Nambonan City.”
With these words, she changed the atmosphere, the air.
It was chilly.
The room was quiet, and it was still just me and Count Silopea who were talking.
And yet, at this very moment, the room was painfully silent.
I could clearly sense that Count Silopea was intentionally suppressing his emotions his.
I waited for the next words to come out so that I would not be conscious of my backside, wondering what the feelings behind these words really were.
I am deeply moved by the fact that I was able to make such a harsh and nasty response to the outcasts of Spierzeig. On behalf of my …… Deceased brother and nephew, as well as my niece and grandson, I thank you deeply……”
The Quardenze and Spiaseik families have been at odds with each other for a long time, but the current war started when my uncle, Quardenze Gerdakl, was conspired to be murdered. And at this time, the princess of the Silopea family, who was married to my uncle, was killed together.
From Count Silopea's point of view, this princess is the grandson of his brother, the previous head of the family, and the daughter of his nephew, the previous head of the family.
My preliminary research shows that Count Silopea loved his brother and nephew his very much.
I had expected him to harbor a bit of a grudge against the Spierzeig family for the murder of his precious nephew's precious daughter, but it seems that the hatred is more deep-rooted than I had thought.
Most people, when they talk about Operation Serpent Fang, refer to it as “The battle at Raishleif Castle. The fact that she said “The battle in Nambonan City” Suggests that she was more than happy to have Spiaseik Verett's breath taken away.
In her words, I could see the intense joy she felt at the fact that she had achieved retribution, and behind that, the fire of hatred that still smolders.
I, personally, would like to show the joy that overflows in my heart even more than before.
That's a bad idea.
I quickly responded so as not to let the conversation go on its own.
No, that is not necessary.
In short, as Silopea Aesia, I want to show my gratitude by picking up my dress with both hands, spreading it a little wider, and bending my knees a little bit to express my appreciation.
This is a deep gratitude to an equal or a quality courtesy to a superior.
For the current head of the family to do so on an official occasion to the next head of another family is a degradation of the Silopea family. Well, to be honest, that is not important.
The problem is that if I accept this, my father and I might be on the same level from Silopea's point of view.
What is required here is to clarify my position in the Quardenze family and to eliminate any room for unwarranted misunderstandings.
I am very happy to have received Lord Silopea's words. Now that I have received compliments from both the Quordenze and Silopea heads of the family, I can boast of my military achievements to my late uncle.
A simple thank you from the Silopea family head is sufficient to show that he is only the next head of the family and that he respects his father, the current head of the family.This would be the most accurate answer to this question.
And, having become aware of the question and the answer, I realized that this is something that my father would throw at me from time to time.
I glance at my father for a moment and he grins……. Oh, this could have been discussed behind the scenes.
What Count Silopea was going to do is usually very disrespectful to my father, and it makes more sense to think that it was a prearranged action.
I see.” I am very happy as if it were my own, that there seems to be a very talented next generation in …… Quordenze. I can see why Lord Quardenze is so proud.
My father? This is a problem. There must be many tea parties in the capital, and it is a little embarrassing to hear him boasting about his son over and over again.
Then my father interrupted our conversation in a cheerful tone.
Only Lord Silopea or Lord Evenapis can make you listen to such boasting about your relatives,” He said. Rest assured.
'That's good to hear.
As my father was about to pussy out, I felt the air in the room become more relaxed.
Perhaps my response and my father's words had satisfied what Count Silopea wanted to confirm.
As the head of the Silopea family, I wanted to assert that I had no hostile intentions toward the Quordenze family and that I wanted to continue our friendship. At the same time, he would have wanted to confirm that the next generation of the Quordenzes was sane, that the relationship with the current generation was good, and that it would be possible to maintain the alliance between the three families in the future, at the very least.
Although it would be possible to get some idea of the situation through their correspondence, it would be impossible to make a complete judgment based solely on the information contained in the letters. To face.
But this is surprisingly difficult. I think it's important to ask, “We are still friends, aren't we? Can we continue to be friends in the future? Also, parents and children are not bad friends, right? The next generation has the same perception as the current generation, right? If you ask them straight out, you will give them a bad impression.
At first, Count Silopea called my father “Prince Kuordentse.
Since he was about to leave for the royal capital, he was now naturally aware of his position as a member of the kingdom's nobility. Still, she did not call him “Marquis of Kuordenze.
The relationship between the Silopea family and the Kuordenze family is not based on the connection as royal nobility, but because of the friendship between the families that has continued for a long time.
The fact that I called him “Lord Silopea” Should have confirmed that this perception has been passed on to the next generation. If I had called him “Count Silopea” There, there probably would have been an uproar in the room.
And Count Silopea's impression that he was as happy as if it were his own to have an excellent next generation in the neighboring fiefdom was an appeal for us to continue to be good allies.
Finally, when my father mentioned that his attitude toward the three families would remain the same, and I confirmed it, I think the confirmation that Count Silopea had prepared was all green.
He said, “Oh no, I shouldn't. Since you two already know each other, I just couldn't help but delay my introduction.
Saying this, Count Silopea looked at her who was waiting patiently next to him.
I have not seen you for a long time.
At his words, everyone quietly turned their bodies in his direction.My turn is over, followed by the turn of the next head of the Silopea family.
It has been a long time. Lord Quardenze.”
When I last saw her, she had waist-length hair Now it is cut short Her hair is somewhere between short and medium length.
Even though it is spring now, her vivid red hair, like the autumn leaves, really catches the eye. Her hair is of a low habit, which is not typical of continental Eluo people, but even so, only the tips of her hair have curves that look as if they were drawn in a brushstroke.
Her posture of bowing in greeting is not stagnant and reminds one of the surface of a large, calmly flowing river.
People who are able to perform a refined curtsy generally look mature. I am aware that she has grown a lot as a woman in the time I have not seen her for a while.
On the other hand, her large red eyes, which reminded me of red jade, were the same as the ones I remembered from my childhood, and I felt nostalgia and a sense of familiarity.
I am now in charge of the next generation of Silopea, so I would like to introduce myself once again. My name is Silopea Plume.
She, like me, also showed her courtesy to her superiors her.
However, since Proumet is a woman, she does not make the same movements as I do. She picked up her skirt with both hands and lowered her head in a small gesture, a cute princess-like move.
It is a cute princess-like movement, but its origin is rather disturbing.
Originally, this bow was a bow shown by noblewomen to priests of the Zethusian High Priesthood.
This is to show that they do not have weapons hidden in their skirts, and in essence, it is like being voluntarily held up by a policeman.
However, the watch check pose I just performed has a similar origin and is based on the claim that the person is taking his hand away from the sword at his waist.
The elements such as “Bowing to the priest” Or “Showing that one is not carrying a weapon” Are no longer considered today. They remain only in the form of a courtesy shown by the nobility to a superior being.
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the welcome you have extended to me at your old castle in New Nellie.
There was no hesitation or trembling in Plume's voice as he delivered his speech her, as if he had practiced hard.
The fact that the childishness has faded makes me a little sad, but I am simply pleased to see that his body has grown in proportion to that.
From my position, Plume facing my father was facing sideways, so it was very easy to see the swelling of her breasts her.Therefore, I could not help but notice her breasts her, which had begun to grow.
If I were to consider a girl of this age, I would say they are of normal level size.
The last time I saw them, they were almost precipitous. That's why I was in such a high mood that I wanted to praise her right here. Of course, there was no way I could do that.
It's become so beautiful in the little time I've been away from it,” My father said.
My father commented on this and then started chatting with me.
He and my father used to be close friends when Plume used to visit the Newnery Castle.
Although she must have been very nervous, Prume answered this chat clearly and confidently.
I was feeling deeply moved by the fact that she had grown up well besides her boobs her.My father gave me a nasty look for a moment.
I was probably the only one who noticed it.
I was on the lookout in the corner of my mind for something my father might do because of Count Silopea's nasty response earlier.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to get a good look at her. It is like a butterfly dancing in a field of pure flowers. I think you would shine even brighter in the sunlight than you do now, wouldn't 't you?”
That look was the look my father would give me when he was testing me.
The dress that Plume was wearing was made of a fabric based on a deep blue with some black lines. After hearing my father's words, I could not help but think that the design was inspired by a blue swallowtail butterfly.
Plume would pick up the hem of the dress he was admiring with one hand and spread it out to show it off. After a few seconds, she answered my father's question.
I am very happy to hear that. I am very happy to hear that. This dress is a re-tailored version of my mother's dress. When I wear it, I feel as if my late mother and father are watching over me and guiding me on the right path, and my heart becomes very peaceful. I am sure that Lord Quardenze's compliments are also due to the thoughts of those who have gone before us in their dedication to Silopea.”
The answer seemed to satisfy my father, who gave a small nod and looked at Count Silopea.
I am sure that the two heads of the family had prepared an assignment for the next head of the family.
The current conversation was also nasty.
Just as there is a coat of arms that represents the noble family of Quardenze, the Levios family also has a coat of arms.
As we are about to move to the Levios territory, we should know this.
The Levios crest consists of a large blue butterfly on a base of blue and white, like the initial arrangement of Othello.
The large, beautiful butterfly, which inhabits the Corroborean plains, is particularly averse to dirt and will disappear from an area if the land is even slightly contaminated. The white color that forms the basis of the coat of arms signifies purity, and the blue color Signifies clear skies without a cloud.
Based on these facts, I interpreted my father's words as “Oh Korah! Is Princess Plume trying to make the Silopeia family more prosperous by joining forces with the Levios family?” (……).
Of course, my father is not seriously thinking about such a thing.
It was like a pressured interview.
Prume's answer to this question was that he thinks it is the best way to develop the relationship with the Quardenze family by following the lead of the successive heads of the Silopea family and continuing friendly relations with the Quardenze family.
It was a good enough answer for a spur-of-the-moment response, and considering the fact that she did not show any signs of panic and handle the situation calmly, it is fair to say that she behaved in an almost perfect manner.
After finishing his answer her, Plume was not caught off guard by it and did not get distracted, and got through the chat with a safe response from start to finish.
He said, “……Oh, I've been standing around talking for too long. I'm not at ease in such a formal setting. We can continue the conversation at the dinner table. My wife and daughter are Looking forward to meeting Princess Plume.
Yes. Yes, I am looking forward to it as well.
I wish you would quickly move on to a more comfortable dinner party.I thought I heard the voice of Plume's heart of hers.
After the welcome, the party moved on to dinner.
The dinner party is a place where public and private can be used at the same time.
This time, the Silopea family stayed in New Nelly for only one night, so the public element was eliminated as much as possible.
However, when the heads of aristocratic families meet each other for dinner, a certain amount of tension exists.
The conversation between me and Plume was just a conversation between Quardenze Wilk and Silopea Plume, which was in keeping with the aristocratic nature of the event.
When the meal was over, I called out to Prudhomme with a full heart.
Princess Plume, do you have a few moments to spare? My sister is preparing tea.
Fanny is sitting next to me.
To be precise, Fanny's personal servant is preparing after-dinner tea, but since it was arranged by Fanny, there is no problem in the expression.
It is a line that leaves no room for refusal, but since Proumé has been repeatedly saying that she would like to have tea with a small number of people, this proposal is in line with that wish.
Oh, that's very good. Go ahead, Plume, go ahead. We haven't seen each other in a long time, so we have a lot to talk about, don't we?
Yes, I do. Yes, I will do so. Thank you for ……, Mister Wilk, Princess Fanny.
Count Silopea's permission was also given, so Plume gave his consent.
Fanny, in order to fulfill her role her as host, says goodbye and quickly gets up from her seat and leaves the room.
I counted roughly 15 minutes after Fanny left the room, and then I stood up.
I stood up and said, “……, I'll show you around.”
I stood up and said, “Okay, I'll show you around. Please, take your time.”
I greeted my father, mother, and Count Silopea as I left the dining room.
I left the dining room. Plume followed quietly behind me for about three paces. However, since both me and Plume have guards, there is a certain amount of noise even if we are silent.
Feeling the corridor with only the sound of footsteps and the rustling of silk, I slow down a little to have a chat with her.However, Plume was in step with my movements her, and the distance between us did not shorten by three steps .
It seems that she is still in guest mode.
According to Fanny's suggestion, the location of the tea party was decided to be on the third floor of the castle. Large room on the third floor.
It was still chilly, even though it was early spring, and Plume, who had guessed where I was going from the direction I was going, muttered quietly, “The upper floor, huh? For her, New Nellie Castle was a stranger's castle.
In a large room on the third floor of New Nellie Castle, the servants were lined up after preparing tea.
Warm-colored balls of light, created by lighting magic, were floating around the room, illuminating the darkness of the night.
The windows were open and fresh, cool air filled the room, as if it was not too cold tonight.
One step ahead of the line of servants, Fanny, our host for the evening, is waiting for us.
When Fanny confirmed that Plume and I had firmly entered the room, she silently picked up the skirt of her dress with both hands, bent her knees slightly, and turned her face downwards.
'We have been expecting you. My father introduced me at the dinner table, but please allow me to say my name once again. My name is Quardenze Phaneuf, and I will be your host for this evening's tea ceremony. To see you again in this castle. I am delighted to see you again here at the castle, and I welcome your visit.
The flowing speech was so beautiful that it was almost deafening, almost melting into the slight darkness that existed in the space between the balls of light.
The way he moved the servant with just a glance and asked him to sit down seemed very natural.
It's easy to forget on occasions like this, but Fanny is quite firm.
Thank you very much. I am very happy that Princess Fanny has prepared such an occasion for us.
After confirming that Proumé and I had taken our seats, Fanny sat down on a chair.
The standard greetings of those invited to a tea party and those who have been invited to a tea party followed, and as we exchanged innocuous aristocratic greetings, tea utensils were prepared on the desk without a sound.
I have prepared the tea that we used to enjoy back in those days. The tea is a new kind of pastry that my brother has made at the castle. I'm sure it's very delicious and I would have loved for Princess Prudhomme to try it .
As the tea was poured from the pot in the servant's hand, a delicious aroma spread around the room.
This is barley tea.
Barley tea is currently my favorite drink on the continent of Eluo, or rather, it is the one that suits my palate.
It is not something that would normally be served at a tea party of the nobility, but it has become a familiar drink to Fanny and Plume, who have often accompanied me to tea parties.
I think it was Fanny's suggestion for her to make it a pleasant tea party among childhood friends, not a formal tea party among nobles.
I thank Princess Fanny for her kindness her……. Yes, it smells very nostalgic.It reminds me of the days I spent in this castle.
It seems that smells have a quality that is deeply connected to memory.
The smell of barley tea with me, Fanny, and Plume, certainly brings to mind scenes from a few years ago.
Plume, who let out a small breath, looks at me and Fanny and then whispers, “I'm still the same person I was back then.
I'm a little envious that you two seem to be as close as you were back then.I am a little envious that you two are still as close as you were back then.Not much time has passed since that day when I was left all alone,……”
Plume was originally the youngest child and had an older sister and an older brother.
The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that the two of them were in the same room at the same time, and they were both wearing the same dress. I want to adore my sister Silopea as I did in the old days.
No, but I am impressed that Fanny's aristocratic daughter's mask is really well done.When I hear her voice her, which is filled with sorrowful echoes, I almost feel like I'm really worried about her.
She said, “Princess Plume, could you please listen to my sister's selfishness? I believe that you and my sister were as close as real sisters when you were in New Nellie. I do not lie in my sister's desire to be close to your heart after the loss of your precious brother and sister.”
In response to my words, her plume responds with a gentle smile.
Thank you for your kind offer. For me, this place is as safe as my second family home. I was looking forward to meeting my sister in New Nelly today. We have only corresponded through …… For a long time. “
Then she spun out her words faster than we could get to the next topic.
I'd like to have a little nostalgic talk with you,” She said. …… You guys, step back a little bit.”
……Ha!”
The leader of the escort, who was standing almost directly behind her, responded to Plume's words with a small reply.
Fanny is good, too?
Yes, brother.
I gave orders with my fingertips to my guards and to Fanny's guards.
As the older brother and the next head of the family, I am allowed to give orders to my sister's guards.
Ha!”
The guards of Quardenze and Silopea took one step backward at about the same time, and then took two or three steps backward.
The only one remaining was the tea maid, but when she confirmed that her turn for another tea was still ahead of her, she too slid back.
Although the guards had gone down, they were still in the room and could listen to our conversation as much as they wanted.
I, Fanny, and Plume, without saying a word, confirm our recognition that this is now a private place with just a glance.
When I thought about who to distract first, Plume put down the cup in her hand and sighed deeply.
'………… Looks like I'm tired.'
There she was, not Princess Plume, but Pru.
She was still in princess mode in her posture and expression, but the words that came out of her mouth she were those of the plume that Fanny and I know so well.You don't seem to be feeling well.
I tease her with a slightly deliberate tone.
I said to her, “…… Will, stop it. You can't enjoy the tea Fanny prepared for you.
That's right, brother. The most important thing is that you should not be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family.
Fanny, who showed a slightly angry gesture, had returned from being a noble princess to her usual cute little sister.
I apologized lightly for my mischievous behavior and threw off the mask of a noble boy.
Pull, it's been a long time. Fanny and I have been looking forward to meeting you.
I've been looking forward to meeting you, too. I'm very happy to meet you too, sister Plume. I want to talk with you a lot.
Fanny is one of the few people that Plume knows well. He is the only one of the same sex who is close in age to her.
Fanny's voice was bright and cheerful, like a dog wagging its tail in delight at seeing its owner after a long time.
'Fanny has become really beautiful while I haven't seen her for a while. …… Maybe it's because we're father and son, but I think she's starting to look a lot like Merry-sama.
'Uh-huh.'
Fanny is honestly pleased when she is told that she is starting to look like her mother.
I think Fanny's face and sometimes her voice are surprisingly similar to her mother's.Especially when she makes a low voice.Especially when she makes a low voice.
There are no telephones on the continent of Eluo, but I think I might make a mistake her for my mother for a moment over the phone.
I think you've become very beautiful, sister Plume. Today's dress is also very suitable for you because it has a certain glamor to it. Don't you think so too, brother?
Come on, give me a compliment! Have a friendly conversation with Sister Plume! Fanny looks at me with sparkling eyes like that at ……. She is a princess with high tension.
'Yes, she is she. I think you're as beautiful as a butterfly dancing on a flower under a blue sky.'
Gghh!
In response to my comment, Plume lets out a strange voice.
When I told Fanny, the only one who didn't know the original story, about the story in the welcome room, Plume was revived.
'Hey, how was that earlier? The dress story? Did I answer you well? Was able to answer quickly, but it wasn't good enough.
I had no complaints in my scoring, but it seems that Plume didn't have enough time in his heart to do a self-grading.
She did an excellent job of greeting people and chatting with them, and more importantly, she knew immediately from her father's attitude that there was nothing wrong with her.
She let out a sigh of relief when I gave my general assessment and took a sip of tea to hide it.
She took a sip of her tea, hiding it, and said, “…… Really? Really? I believe you Will, don't I? ……………………..Hah, that's good. I've been practicing my greetings all these days. Hey, you're not going to do that stuff again after we leave for King's Landing, are you? I don't like it. I've been doing that stuff all the time during my stay in King's Landing.”
By “That thing,” I mean the pressure interview.
I don't think so.I don't think so.I'm sure he just did it because it was now before his departure.I'm sure Father will be rather nice to me because I'll be nervous even if it's not that when I go to King's Landing…….I'll say something to him, too, just in case.
'That would be very helpful. Thank you, Will.'
Finally, perhaps relieved, Plume gave an honest smile.
I think that was a very good exchange for a spur of the moment exchange.
The reality that the particulars of the particulars are not really as clear as they seem. I'm sure you've heard your brother's story, and I agree with him. …… And the pattern on your dress was inspired by the silopeia crest, wasn't it? Your father is a bit mean-spirited to interpret this as a butterfly.
Isn't the motif a swallowtail butterfly?
I casually take another look at the Plume dress.
I feel that it is really wonderful that the front view of the dress is rather bare at the breast. I feel a healthy eroticism when it is exposed to the collarbone area.
Come to think of it, the current Fanny and Plume must be about the same age when we last met.
Compared to the Plume of those days, Fanny must be well-developed, and my thoughts went in a completely unrelated direction.
'Will, did you really think she was a butterfly?
'………………That's not true!'
I think it was because of my preconceived notions because of my father's statement.
I was desperately trying to get my head around the design and motif of the dress that Count Silopea was wearing because I might need it for the flow of chit-chat, but I almost didn't go through with the reading of Plume's dress.
Perhaps it was because I was busy fantasizing about what was inside the dress.
Besides, there was the practical reason that there was not much need for me to consider Plume's dress, which my father had brought up once, because it would not be artistic for me to bring it up again.
'Weren't you good at dressmaking? Even the New Nellie's servants' outfits were Will's idea, weren't they?”
I don't like fashion. I just like uniforms.
I would have prepared an elaborate dress if I wanted to play dress-up on the bed, but interpreting the meaning behind the outfit in a social setting is a task that requires a lot of effort.
The mental structure is fundamentally different from that of Fanny and Prudhomme, whose eyes are naturally drawn to the clothes.
'I don't like interpretation, let alone making it. I think I'll rely on Pru when I'm in …… King's Landing.”
At these words, she flashed a dazzling smile that reminded me of my childhood.
'……Ufufu, okay. If Will is in trouble in King's Landing, I'll help him out. I've been studying all the time since I decided to go to King's Landing. More than just costumes.
Hmmm,” Plume said proudly.
I'm sure you and Plume will be working together a lot, so I'll be glad to help you out.
I'll leave it to you. I'm the older sister, right?
Prue was born about six months earlier than me. When we first met, she was a year older than me.
Apparently, being the youngest, Plume wanted a younger sister or brother. When she met me, she was trying her best to be a big sister, and it was funny and cute to see her trying to be a big sister and then trying to be a big sister and then trying to be a big sister and then trying to be a big sister and then trying to be a big sister.
I think the good thing about Plume is that she is a hard worker.
She is trying her best to show her solidity like a big sister in front of the person she wants to show, which is quite charming, but she is also making earnest efforts in places where we can't see her. Good when she gets up and smiles, even when she is down in the dumps.
She studied hard so that she would not lose to me, who had knowledge of reincarnation, and she has mastered her manners, and I personally think that for a 13-year-old princess, she has grown up to be quite an accomplished princess.
When I was a little girl, “I'm your sister,” Was something she used to say half the time, but as she grew older, she said it less and less. Still, sometimes she would joke around a little and say, “Because I'm your sister,” As if she was remembering something, and it was quite touching to my heart.
The idle chatter continued for a while after that, especially between Fanny and Plume, as if they were trying to make up for the time they had spent apart.
When I was on my third cup of barley tea, Fanny took a breath and said, “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
She said, “I'm sad that your brother …… And sister Plume have gone to King's Landing. Why don't they stay at the castle for a while? …… They're leaving tomorrow , aren't they?”
The Sylopea family is quite burdened with the socializing in the royal capital. Specifically, it is very difficult for the officials who remain in the territory.
So, as an aristocrat, I am a little less graceful, but I will be leaving tomorrow.
Yes, I know. I am a little nervous because I will be crossing the Ovieto River for the first time in my life. My knights have been to King's Landing several times, but this is the first time for me and my grandmother…….Will you ever crossed to the east?”
The nobles of the Eluo continent are basically inclusive.
The actual fact is that the father who focuses on diplomacy in the royal capital and the Viscount Galiana who shows up on a whim are not so many, not to say they are in the minority.
In the case of the Silopea family, it seems that they used to visit the royal capital more or less often in the days of their predecessors, but after becoming the current head of the family, they probably don't have the time or the luxury to do so before their personalities change.
No, I don't. I've been to the west many times recently. If it's to the west, I've crossed it many times recently,……, And if it's the Ovieto River, it's better because I'm still used to seeing it. Before you get to Levios, you have to cross mountains and rivers you've never seen before, as well as a number of aristocratic territories, and finally the Tona River.
The Tona River, one of the seven major rivers on the continent of Eluo, is the western border of the Levios territory.
The Tona River is one of the seven major rivers on the continent of Eluo, and it is a major river that borders the western side of the Levios territory.
The royal capital is really far away, isn't it?
Fanny, perhaps noticing that the topic of conversation was turning toward the royal city, clasped her hands together and said, “Yes, it is.
Yes, it is. I have something I want to show to Sister Plume. I'm going to go prepare for a while, so I'll leave this to you, brother.
Fanny stood up and left the room with an air of not wanting to hear our response.
I'm not sure if I've made Fanny feel uncomfortable. I think it's because I talked about King's Landing. I'm sorry I did that.
No, I've been on it too. I'll be back in a little while, so you can take care of Fanny then.
Fanny seems to have decided that she wants to talk to the next head of the Quardenze Silopea. I was most comfortable watching Plume and Faniyi's lively talk here, so there was no need for that kind of consideration at all.
In any case, since we're now alone, we should probably have a light awareness meeting for King's Landing while we're at it.
Is it a hassle?
I'm not sure about leaving Silopea empty …………, But I'm actually looking forward to it a little bit. I have a lot of worries and anxieties.
I know how you feel. I think it's the same for me. I just don't like the idea of …… Meeting all these different noblemen and women at social functions.
I understand,” Plume said, nodding deeply.
I'm not sure how much better it would have been if we had just gone to the royal capital to do some sightseeing.
It would have been a school excursion to Tokyo at most.
The Levios, Mirendorva, Aterahan, and Zeldmitra families must be very careful. The aristocratic families from the early days of the founding of the country are also going to be a pain in the ass. Will. Good luck.
No, Pru will have to face them too, right?
I'm sure you know that.
She says with a look of desperation and gestures.
Prue will be working with me more often in King's Landing.The most important thing to remember is that you can't afford to lose your money.Since neither of us has decided on a fiancée, there will be many occasions when we will be asked to be a dancing pair.
Since they will be working with the Quordenze family, they will inevitably have more contacts with other great nobles.
I wonder why the Levios family decided to socialize at this time of the year. Even Will doesn't think that they are really just celebrating the end of their differences with the Mirendorva family, does he? That the kingdom is alive and well…….”
I object to that opinion.
I doubt that. If we don't get the kingdom's aristocrats to turn their attention to the center of the kingdom now, I think its centripetal force will only decline. I think that holding a large social gathering here is aimed at clearing away the stagnation that has built up over the past few years.
But won't everyone be aware that the Millendorva family has won? I think it would be the best proof that the local nobility is gaining power.
I think that the success of the Millendorva family's counteroffensive is mostly due to Princess Orcian, as far as I've heard. I wonder if this result will only be recognized as an individual feat of valor and not as an increase in the power of the local nobility?”
If you put it that way, what about Operation Serpent's Fang? If you look at the Quardenze family that lost Raishleif Castle, I think there are strong nobles outside of the central region who can be relied upon.
The story is different from that of Millendorva, who broke the blade that was thrust at her head on the front side of her Paradoxically, I think we can conclude that the kingdom is dependable.
What about the Aterahans? The Aterahan family says they drew with the Orsian army at the Battle of the Khrushav River, where they sent reinforcements. Reinforcements. And even the Zeldmitra family ……”
It seems that Plume has really done his homework. The actuality that he has been studying about the recent situation of the royal aristocracy is conveyed in the dialogue.
Unlike the question-and-answer session with my father, it was quite fun to have a casual discussion like this.
Previously, Proust was not in a position to take over as head of the family, so he rarely discussed political topics like this.
He said, “I think that's why …… We decided that as a royal family we needed to call a meeting here. Because reputations matter.”
'M……'
The only thing is, I don't think Pru is right that it's all about rumors. They might say something about the Spierzeig invasion against us. The people who are going to be the most important. Maybe they have an idea that as a royal family they want to interview the kingdom nobles individually. Besides, they also say that the Levios family to invade St. Navempos, and I think they have something to say about that as well.”
It is quite possible that they are at least making a move to take some kind of action in the future, if not right now.
I agree.” I heard that some priests in the Levios family were caught last year plotting to do something bad, but they didn't know what it was for. They misled the people, or snuck into the treasury, or attacked a village in Levios' territory, but we still don't know what the truth was.
Come to think of it, there was such a story. There was also a story about a priest who was working underground in the royal capital and was caught or something.
But as Prume says, we still don't know the details of that. The Levios family has not made it public, and the only rumor we have heard is that an anti-Levios priest has been captured.
I am a little worried that there might be another incident like the one that happened in the Quordenze territory. There aren't many military officers left in Silopea, so ……”
Although the terrorist incident in New Nelly Field is treated as top secret, information is shared with the Silopea family.
The reality that the incident was also a result of a malfunction in plans following the capture of the priest in the Levios territory, everything was brought forward and the incident occurred.
I hear that since the appearance of the magical beast Elsinia, the Levios family has been putting a lot of effort into hunting magical beasts in the field. Suspiciously in and out of the field. …… No, maybe that's why they got caught? Those priests.”
There is a good chance that they will make a public announcement about them during the King's Town social.
'And you know what Grandfather Evenapis said. There are some suspicious activities in the Holy City as well. This time, too, he seems to be planning to stay in the territory until the very end. ?
The Quardenze and Silopea families plan to enter the Levios territory with some time to spare.
In the continent of Eluo, where there are no airplanes, all travel is basically by land, and of course, there are nobles who rule the land. Passing through other territories involves a certain amount of correspondence, and noble families with which we have a friendly relationship may receive us with hospitality.
It is not elegant to ignore these factors and move hastily, and as a nobleman, it would not look good. Therefore, it was necessary to head for the Levios territory with a certain amount of buffer estimated.
Moreover, geographically speaking, if the Quardenze family did not complete the move early, the nobles along the route would be in trouble.
As expected, the arrival of a noble family as large as the Kuordenzes could not be left to the knights who stayed behind to meet and greet them.
Therefore, the Quardenzes had to be the first among the western nobles to leave.
Count Evenapis was scheduled to arrive at the royal social just in time.It is doubtful that he planned to be late, but he must have been that reluctant to leave his domain his.
The current head of the family, Count Evenapis, is my mother Merly's grandfather, and in terms of type, he is of Gulfis descent, my grandfather. In short, he is a warrior, not a nobleman.
People of this generation know the end of the turbulent era, and are living witnesses to the era of the warring facts.
The nobles of the Eluo continent have a strong respect for nobles who fight. They also have a sense of admiration for the nobles of previous eras who made a name for themselves on the battlefield and survived the upheaval in the mud.
When the nobles of today, such as my father and myself, would do the same, we would say, “How rude! It's not polite. If a nobleman of the warring age like my grandfather Gulfis or Count Evenapis did it, he would say , “As expected of a hero who has survived a turbulent age, he has a different attitude. This is how a nobleman defending his territory …… Is really cool!”
This is an extreme expression, but I am sure there is such an atmosphere.
Count Evenapis seems to be well aware of how he is treated and is planning to slip in just in time for the chime to ring. He is an aristocrat with a big heart.
It would be best if nothing happened.
Just as he said that, the door opened and Fanny came back into the room.
The last thing Plume wanted to say was, “Hey,” He whispered quietly so that only I could hear him.
When I heard about the success of the …… Snake fang operation, I was a little nervous, thinking that Will had become the Will I didn't know. More. I'm glad he's still the sweet Will he used to be, even if he's still ……. Congratulations.”
I guess he didn't want Fanny to hear this, since the topic was the capture of Raishleif Castle, a topic with a political element.
I was talking about how I was glad Will was still the Will I knew. Fanny and I will have tea together.
When Fanny noticed that he was whispering to her, Proumé said, “Let's have a cup of tea together, Fanny.
I felt that I would be a fool if I left her to her own devices, so I told her just as Fanny sat down.
No, no, not everything is as it used to be. Don't you think I've become more manly?”
As I said this, I put my hand to my chin and made a light smile.
I want her to feel the opposite sex toward her childhood friend whom she has not seen in a long time, and I want her to be thrilled.
I think Will has become more of a man to the extent that I have become more of a woman.
He sounds a little stunned, but I've already taken that reaction into account.
By that logic, I've become quite a manly man.
Oh, my. I've become so womanly, haven't I? I'm so embarrassed.
Plume is so frightened, but today I don't intend to let this be a joke.
Oh,” She said, “I'm not going to let this be a joke. I was really surprised when I met Prue again today. I was joking and teasing you earlier, but you look really good in that dress too.
What?”
I had been with her for so long that I had forgotten that she was a girl, but she made me aware of it. The most important thing to remember is that you can't just take a look at the dress and forget about it. I'm sure Fanny thinks so too, right?
Yes, brother. Today, Prue is looking very nice.
I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I'm sure it's a good idea. Will?
The first thing to do is to make sure that you have a good time with your family and friends.
I just stared at her eyes, hoping for a way out of it. You never used to say things like that much.”
I don't know.
I'm not sure what to expect. I'm …… Happy for you, but I'm a little embarrassed …….
The first thing to do is to make sure that you have a good idea of what you're looking for.
'It means I've grown up too.'
To be more specific, it's probably thanks to the fact that I've outgrown my virginity her.
At least, I don't think I ever hit her straight and direct like I do now.
The Wilk that Plume last met and the Wilk that she is here now are completely different people, mainly in terms of their experience with the lower half of their bodies.
This is what a grown man can afford.
Perhaps it is because he has been whispering his love to women in various beds, but it is obvious that he has lost his shyness in complimenting women.
I felt as if I had reached the truth of the world that a man who is popular with women can be even more popular with women, if only by the tip of his finger.
She was embarrassed to avoid eye contact with me, and it was cute in a primitive way.
Apparently, my frank words had touched her heart her much more than my smug face her.
